Where is New Balance made: whose brand, who owns it and where are the sneakers made?

New Balance sneakers have long been a symbol of comfort and functional design. The brand combines technology used by professional athletes with a style suitable for everyday wear. That's why models like the 574, 530, 990, and 2002R regularly appear in rankings of the most popular sneakers worldwide and in Ukraine.

With popularity comes many questions. Buyers often want to know: whose brand is New Balance, who is behind the company, and where are the sneakers actually made? Some believe it's a European brand, while others are convinced that all models are made exclusively in Asia.

Why New Balance is more than just sneakers

In fact, the brand's history is much more interesting. New Balance is one of the few major athletic shoe manufacturers that has remained independent and not become part of an international corporation. This explains why the company's structure and production geography differ from most of its competitors.

In this article we will look into:

• Who is New Balance and who founded the brand?
• Where is New Balance made today?
• in which countries are the factories located?
• What's the difference between Made in USA and Asian series models?

This will help you understand who makes New Balance and how the global production system impacts the quality of sneakers.

Brand History: Who Founded New Balance and Whose Brand Is It?

The history of New Balance began in 1906 in Boston, USA. That's when British immigrant William J. Riley founded the company, which initially specialized in the production of orthopedic insoles and supportive elements for footwear.

The idea for the name New Balance came from Riley's observation of a chicken's foot, which has three points of support, ensuring stable balance. This principle became the basis for the company's first orthopedic products.

During its first decades, the brand developed as a small manufacturer of orthopedic shoes. It wasn't until the 1960s that the company began actively producing running shoes, which quickly became popular among athletes.

A key moment in the brand's history occurred in 1972, when the company was acquired by entrepreneur Jim Davis. It was he who transformed New Balance into a global athletic footwear brand.

As of 2026, New Balance Athletics, Inc. remains a privately held company. The Davis family controls approximately 95% of the company, making the brand one of the few major athletic footwear companies not owned by a public corporation.

For comparison:

• Nike is a public company with shareholders.
• Adidas is an international corporation
• New Balance is a privately held company controlled by the Davis family.

That is why the answer to the question whose brand is New Balance is: it is the American company New Balance Athletics, Inc., controlled by the Davis family.

This independence allows the brand to maintain its own development strategy and invest in local production.

Where New Balance sneakers are made: countries and factories

Many customers are wondering where New Balance is manufactured and whether it's true that all of the brand's sneakers are made exclusively in Asia. In fact, the company's production is distributed across several regions around the world.

As of 2026, New Balance operates a global network of factories in:

• USA
• Great Britain
• Vietnam
• Indonesia
• China
• Thailand
• Mexico

A distinctive feature of the brand is that it continues to maintain some manufacturing in the United States. According to various estimates, between 5% and 25% of premium models are produced in America.

The company has 5-6 factories in Massachusetts and Maine, where it produces Made in USA series models.

New Balance production chart

Models labeled Made in USA and Made in UK are considered premium series and are often made from more expensive materials.

Most of New Balance's popular models are produced in modern factories in Asia—specifically, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, and Thailand. This allows the brand to maintain a balance between quality and affordability.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question of where New Balance is produced is in several countries, including the USA, Europe and Asia.

The Benefits of New Balance Manufacturing: Why It Matters

As of 2026, New Balance production is distributed across several regions around the world. The location of production often sparks debate among consumers. Some people are convinced that sneakers from the US are necessarily better than those from Asia. In reality, the situation is more complex.

The company uses uniform quality control standards regardless of the factory. This means that technologies and materials undergo the same testing.

Among the brand's key technologies:

• ENCAP – stabilizing sole
• Fresh Foam – soft cushioning
• ABZORB – shock absorption system

These technologies are used in different models regardless of the country of manufacture.

Another important aspect is sustainability. New Balance is gradually introducing:

• recycling of materials
• energy-efficient factories
• reduction of production waste

For Ukrainian buyers, it is also important to know how to check the authenticity of sneakers.

Main features of the original:

• serial number on the label
• branded box
• the exact model name
• high-quality materials

Understanding these details helps you make the right choice and avoid counterfeits.

How to choose New Balance sneakers based on production

The country of manufacture can influence the price and positioning of a model, but it's not the only factor in choosing. It's also important to consider the sneakers' intended purpose and your personal style.

To choose the right pair, you just need to follow a few simple steps.

Selection steps

• Determine the type of sneakers - for city, running or sports.
• Check the model and series.
• Please pay attention to the country of manufacture.
• Make sure the size is correct.

Popular New Balance models

These models are often chosen by buyers in Ukraine because they combine style, comfort, and durability.

Knowing the features of the models helps you make a more informed purchase and choose a pair that will last a long time.

New Balance Made in USA or China: What's the Difference?

Many buyers wonder whether New Balance sneakers made in the USA are better than models made in Asia. In reality, the difference lies not so much in quality as in the positioning of the models and the materials used.

The Made in USA and Made in UK series are the brand's premium lines. They are manufactured in local factories in the US and UK, often using more expensive materials, such as genuine suede, and more complex handcrafting. This explains why these models are typically more expensive.

At the same time, most popular New Balance models—such as the 574, 530, and 2002R—are produced in modern factories in Asia. These factories adhere to the brand's standards and utilize the same cushioning technologies, including ENCAP, Fresh Foam, and ABZORB.

Therefore, the answer is simple: the quality of New Balance sneakers is controlled by the brand, regardless of the country of production, and the differences between series are primarily related to materials, production volume, and price segment.

In short, Made in USA refers to premium collections, while Asian factories produce the majority of models for the global market. It is thanks to this system that New Balance is able to combine high quality with an affordable price.

American Heritage and Global Manufacturing at New Balance

New Balance is a brand with over a century of history that has managed to maintain its independence and recognizable philosophy. The company remains a privately held American firm, which distinguishes it from most major sports brands.

Sneaker production is located in various countries around the world. Some premium models are made in the USA and UK, while the majority of popular silhouettes are created in modern factories in Asia.

It is this global system that allows the brand to combine quality, innovation and affordability.

If you want to buy original New Balance sneakers, choose trusted stores and pay attention to the model, series, and country of manufacture.

Browse the catalog on nb.in.ua and find the model that best suits your style and lifestyle.